Columbia, SC - October 27, 2018 - PICNA Board of Directors has issued the following statement:

“We condemn the barbaric attack on our Jewish brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community nationwide. This incident is an attack on our values and on the very fiber of our diverse society.

“We believe that lack of understanding, fear mongering and unwarranted hate speech in the current political environment may lead to tragic incidents like the current one. It is the sacred duty of all faith and civic leaders to encourage greater understanding and compassion in our society to forge national unity.

​A Large Crowd Turns out to Learn About Islam and Celebrate Diversity

​What started as a controversial face book post turned into a great learning opportunity and celebrating diversity in our communities. Irmo town hall was packed to capacity last Thursday during the ‘Demystifying Islam’ program that drew people from various faiths and all walks of life.

​The program commenced with a mini exhibition on Islam that included books on Islam as well as posters depicting Muslims contributions to the world civilization, especially during the Islam’s Golden Age. Visitors showed keen interest in the exhibition and some picked up copies of the Quran and a mini-magazine on ‘Islam and Peace.’ While the event was hosted by Mayor Hardy King, it was jointly sponsored by PICNA and IPSC (Interfaith Partners of SC).

PICNA and Masjid Noor Ul Huda, a prominent local mosque joined hands to organize a highly successful Muslim Youth Speech Contest In Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday, July 28, 2018.

“It was a delight to see children, as young as seven years, speak to adult audience with confidence, courage and commitment on their favorite topics”, said Chaudhry Sadiq, President, PICNA. Chaudhry went on to say that he would like to see these youth become community leaders, public representatives and scholars and make their communities, their faith and their nation feel proud of them.

A Challenging Situation Turned into an Opportunity for Peacemaking and Understanding

​God Almighty has His mysterious ways of bringing people together, changing hearts and minds and creating miracles. This is exactly what transpired in the cities of Columbia and Irmo in the state of South Carolina.

PICNA and Masjid Noor ul Huda Hold a Major Awareness Event

​Nearly fifty faith and community leaders thronged to Masjid Noor Ul Huda, aprominent mosque in Columbia, SC, for an evening of learning, sharing andpositive engagement. PICNA and the mosque have traditionally held the RamadanSharing event for many years now.

​Over 1.6 Billion Muslims observe the fasting month of Ramadan around the worldwith spirituality, enthusiasm and dedication. Fasting is one of the five pillars ofIslam that instils the traits of sharing, caring and sacrifice in the believers.

PICNA - Unity Productions Foundation Partnership Continues to Prosper

​The interfaith community of Charleston had the special privilege of being treated to the premiere of the much awaited documentary movie 'The Sultan and the Saint' on Saturday, November 18, 2017. The show, attended by faith and community leaders, intellectuals and academicians, was held at the School of Sciences and Mathematics building at the College of Charleston.

​'Understanding Islam and Muslims' Presentation well received at the City Hall

​Building on Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin's initiative of December, 2016, entitled "Embracing Your Muslim Neighbor", The City of Columbia and PICNA jointly organized a much anticipated program "Knowing Our Muslim Neighbor" - 'Understanding Islam and Muslims' on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at the City Council Chambers.

​PICNA President addresses 2017 Summit Conference

​Prominent educationists, community, faith and civic leaders as well as law enforcement officials of South Carolina, came together under one roof in a two day Summit Conference at Columbia Metropolitan Conference Center from June 12 to 13, 2017. Organized by the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, this was the second annual summit conference after the inaugural event in 2016.

​National 'March for Science' rally held at the SC State Capitol

​Around 2000 people holding colorful and creative signs filled the grounds of the State Capitol in Columbia on Saturday, April 22, 2017, as part of a national 'March for Science' rally. Washington, D.C. That attracted 100,000 participants, was among 600 cities world wide that marked the day to emphasize the significance of Science and related research for the good of humanity.

​PICNA and University of South Carolina (USC) organized an event entitled ' Discover Islam' at Sonoco Pavilion of the Darla Moore School of Business on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. The highlight of the evening's program was a presentation entitled "Understanding Islam and Muslims" by Chaudhry Sadiq, President of PICNA.